Permits & Certifications

Rezoning

Zoning changes within the city limits may be initiated by City Council or by an interested party by petition. A public hearing with the Planning Commission is required for all zoning changes. The Planning Commission will then make a recommendation to the City Council for another public hearing and a final decision.

The City of Wilmington Planning Division typically processes two types of rezonings:

Conventional RezoningChanging a district from one type to another.

Conditional Zoning
In a conditional zoning district, the development and use of the property is subject to the rules, regulations and conditions of a predetermined ordinance.

Particular uses are established only in accordance with specific standards and conditions of each individual development project. Some land uses have significant impacts on the immediate surrounding area as well as the entire community which cannot be predetermined and controlled by general district standards. There are also circumstances in which a general district designation allowing such a use would not be appropriate for a particular property.

Special Use Permits

Special use permits add flexibility to the zoning ordinance. Subject to high standards of planning and design, certain property uses may be allowed in several districts where those uses would not otherwise be acceptable. Controls exercised through the special use permit procedures can be established to minimize any adverse effects on surrounding properties.

Special use permits are issued by City Council based on recommendations provided by planning staff and the Planning Commission.

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